There was a time waaaaay back when our farmhouse had three staircases. By the time we bought this house, there were two sets and the third had been made into a broom closet, and a clothing closet was put in a bedroom upstairs.
I’m all for keeping my mop, Swiffer sheets, and wipes out of sight, but a closet in the kitchen, I felt, was too valuable of real estate to occupy. Plus, my beloved cookbooks needed a home. That broom closet was a no-brainer. Built-in bookcase would be a perfect solution for that spot.
My first step was to remove the door. Mr. Mop and gear found a new home off the beaten path. Then, I removed the shelf and all of the hooks and I cleaned the entire area with TSP. I went to Lowe’s and picked up some 2×4’s, MDF, and beadboard.
I cut the 2×4’s to size and fit them to the sides of the area. Using leftover paint from the kitchen cabinets, I decided to paint the beadboard first before I installed, thinking that would make things easier. And it did. Some touchups were necessary, but only minor.
After I installed the beadboard, I painted the perimeter of the area. Then, I measured one of my tallest cookbooks and determined how far apart I wanted the shelves, which also determined how many shelves I would be able to fit in the space. I cut the shelves and painted them first as well, before installing.
Now I’m in business. I have always wanted all of my cookbooks to be housed in the kitchen, and now they are. I enjoyed figuring out where I wanted each book to go. I set out to replace the lavender with a light fixture of some sort, and I found just what I had in mind. Along with the light fixture, this bookcase adds a nice home-y feeling to that corner of the kitchen. I am happy.
What is your favorite cookbook? I am anxious to hear!!
Dana Effron says
All my Ina Gartenand one, in particular from Marcella Hazen, The Classic Italian Cookbook. I already love your blog. I’m in!
Brooke Fedigan says
Ina Garten is certainly one of my "go to" cookbooks too! Each recipe turns out so well!
Thank you so much, Dana!
Best,
Brooke
Karen Warberg says
This is so cool!
Brooke Fedigan says
Thank you so much!
Best,
Brooke
melissa says
My favorite place in your kitchen!!
Brooke Fedigan says
Thank you Melissa!
Best,
Brooke
Darren Huseby says
Cool idea, turned out great ! Love it !
Brooke Fedigan says
Thank you so much, Darren! And, thank you for following me!
Best,
Brooke
Rick Baxter says
Well done, Brooke. Looks great!
Maria says
Looks amazing!!!!!
The Silver Palate……
Brooke Fedigan says
Thanks, Maria!
coco says
Brooke I love this whole area you created and from a broom closet is so cool! You really do have mad skills girl 🙂
Brooke Fedigan says
That was one of my favorite DIY projects that I ever tackled. The finish product was so rewarding. Thanks Coco!
Brooke
Uma says
Amazing!!
Brooke Fedigan says
Uma, thanks for stopping by. I was so excited when that idea came to fruition. I love love cookbook and still use almost all of them 😉
Brooke